This article contains major spoilers for the recently released book, The Prophecies Begin, volume 1. Please proceed at your own discretion. |
"Thank you. You were right. I had to tell the Clan myself. You have a good spirit, young one. When it is time for you to receive your warrior name, tell Sunfall I would have named you Lionheart." |
— Pinestar to Lionpaw in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 310 |
Lionheart is a golden tabby tom[2] with green eyes,[12] and thick fur like a lion's mane.[2]
Lionheart was a deputy of ThunderClan under Bluestar's leadership in the forest territories. He was born to Speckletail and Smallear as Lionkit along with his sister, Goldenkit. He became an apprentice as Lionpaw with Swiftbreeze as his mentor. During his apprenticeship, he witnessed Pinestar visiting the Twolegplace, and he later convinced Pinestar to tell the Clan the truth about him leaving to become a kittypet. Because of his courage and wisdom, Pinestar said that he would have named him Lionheart. Sunstar granted the former leader's quest and named him Lionheart when he became a warrior. Lionheart fathered Frostfur's kits: Brackenfur, Cinderpelt, Thornclaw and Brightheart. He also mentored Graypaw as his first apprentice, training him alongside Firepaw when the kittypet joined ThunderClan, and the senior warrior was known for his wisdom and nobility. After Redtail died, Bluestar made Lionheart deputy; however, he died due to his wounds after ShadowClan attacked ThunderClan's camp to steal his kits. He ascended to StarClan and granted Firestar and Bramblestar one of their nine lives. He also fought in the Great Battle alongside his former Clanmates.
Quick Answers
Who were Lionheart's parents and siblings?
What was Lionheart's role in the first series?
What role did Lionpaw play in convincing Pinestar to reveal his intention to leave ThunderClan?
History[]
In The Prophecies Begin arc[]
Into the Wild[]
- "Understand that Bluestar does not make this offer lightly. If you wish you train with us, we will take you to our Clan. You must either live with us and respect our ways, or return to your Twolegplace and never come back. You cannot live with a paw in each world."
- ―Lionheart to Rusty Into the Wild, page 22
- Lionheart is convinced that Rusty will not take up on the offer, but he is surprised when the next day Rusty is there waiting for him. He, along with Whitestorm, lead him to the ThunderClan camp. He is more friendly towards Rusty than the day before, telling him about the Clan and the warrior code, and describing the camp and the dens. When Longtail challenges Rusty, Lionheart encourages him to prove himself instead of backing down from the challenge, and that they can all smell his fear.
- After Redtail is killed during a battle with RiverClan over Sunningrocks, Lionheart is appointed deputy in his place by Bluestar. Lionheart is another one of Bluestar's most trusted warriors. He, along with Tigerclaw, act as mentors to Rusty, now renamed Firepaw. The next day, the two warriors show Firepaw the ThunderClan territory, presenting the borders to him.
- At a Gathering, he talks to Graypaw and Firepaw about the three legendary Clans, LionClan, TigerClan, and LeopardClan, the great cats who are regarded as the ancestors of the present-day Clans. Interested, a ShadowClan apprentice, Littlepaw, although unnamed, joins the conversation. Lionheart asks him how old he is, and Littlepaw looks nervous, saying six moons. Lionheart notes that Littlepaw is rather small for six moons, and the young apprentice says his mother was also small. It was later revealed that Littlepaw was forced into becoming an apprentice early by Brokenstar.
- Lionheart is badly injured when ShadowClan attacks the ThunderClan camp. He is taken care of by Spottedleaf, but he later dies of his wounds. The whole Clan sits vigil for him, and Bluestar is especially distraught. Later, Bluestar appoints Tigerclaw as deputy in his place.
Fire and Ice[]
- On the way to a Gathering, Fireheart remembers his first journey to Fourtrees with Tigerclaw and Lionheart, and feels a pang of sadness at remembering the warmhearted warrior. He thinks of how Lionheart had been killed in battle, and Tigerclaw had taken his place. Fireheart recalls how on his first Gathering, Lionheart had taken the apprentices on a roundabout route, through Tallpines, past Sunningrocks, and along the RiverClan border. Later, two of Lionheart's kits become apprentices. When Bluestar assigns Fireheart and Graystripe as Cinderpaw's and Brackenpaw's mentors, she tells them to pass on the skills Lionheart had taught them to their new apprentices.
Forest of Secrets[]
- When Tigerclaw is being banished from ThunderClan, Fireheart explains to the Clan how the dark warrior had been angry when Lionheart was chosen by Bluestar as deputy, but that when Lionheart died fighting ShadowClan, Tigerclaw achieved his ambition.
The Darkest Hour[]
- Lionheart is among the StarClan cats who appear to give Fireheart his nine lives during his leadership ceremony. He is young and strong, his coat shining with pale fire. He gives Fireheart the first of his nine lives with the gift of courage, so that he can use it well in defense of the Clan.
In The New Prophecy arc[]
Sunset[]
- He appears briefly along with Bluestar and Yellowfang in one of Leafpool's dreams, telling her that her life will soon change unexpectedly, and that she will travel down a path few medicine cats have before her. They also warn her of a dark future beyond StarClan's control. Lionheart is kind to Leafpool, licking her between the ears, his presence and scent giving her strength.
In the Power of Three arc[]
The Sight[]
Eclipse[]
- He is seen very briefly when Jaypaw visits StarClan's hunting grounds alone.
In the Omen of the Stars arc[]
The Fourth Apprentice[]
- He, along with Bluestar, Spottedleaf, Yellowfang, and Feathertail decide whether to send a sign to Dovepaw, Lionblaze, and Jayfeather to tell them that Dovepaw is the One. While Bluestar disagrees, saying they shouldn't meddle with it, the others agree, and Yellowfang sends Dovepaw an "omen of the stars."
Night Whispers[]
- Lionheart discusses the battle between ShadowClan and ThunderClan with Bluestar, Fernshade, Oakheart, Mudclaw, Mudfur, Sagewhisker and Yellowfang.
Sign of the Moon[]
- In StarClan, Lionheart shares tongues with Whitestorm.
The Last Hope[]
- Lionheart is one of the StarClan cats who participates in the battle against the Dark Forest. He joins Runningwind and Dustpelt to chase some of the Dark Forest warriors back to the Dark Forest.
In the Super Editions[]
Moth Flight's Vision[]
- Although unnamed, he gives Firestar one of his nine lives in one of Moth Flight's visions. He exchanges unheard words to the ginger tom, before the golden tom touches his starry muzzle to the other's head.
Bluestar's Prophecy[]
- Lionpaw: "I love snowy days... Everything looks so clean and bright."
- Bluepaw: "You love everything."
- Bluestar's Prophecy, page 143
- Since leaf-fall had brought many cold nights, when Bluepaw is going outside, it is said that she envies Lionkit's fluffy, thick, golden coat. Eventually, he becomes an apprentice, mentored by Swiftbreeze. Lionpaw tells Bluepaw during a hunting patrol not to be grumpy, and that her sister Snowpaw has good ideas. He goes on about how he loves snowy days, much to Bluepaw's annoyance as she mutters that he loves everything and is always cheerful no matter what.
- At Lionpaw's first Gathering, Bluepaw is surprised that Lionpaw doesn't seem nervous at all. During a training session, Swiftbreeze tells Bluepaw that Lionpaw needs to learn to think before he rushes into things. When learning to do a half-turn belly rake, Lionpaw twists too early and doesn't think about the move. When he gets the move right, Bluepaw admires the strength in his muscles. Later, when Bluepaw and Snowpaw are chased by a fox and a burning branch scares the fox away, Speckletail is angry and worried when she sees Lionpaw looking at the burning branch, and chases him away from it. Bluepaw also thinks about Lionpaw playing in the clearing when debating whether to fight the fox or flee into camp.
- Lionpaw patrols the RiverClan border with Bluefur, who is now a warrior, and calls the lurking RiverClan cats cowards, much to Swiftbreeze's annoyance. When Bluefur questions Lionpaw about Pinestar, he is awkward and dismayed and doesn't truly answer Bluefur's questions. He is sick with envy when Rosepaw passes two assessments in as many days and complains to Bluefur that she would become a warrior before him. Lionpaw is part of the patrol that fights off RiverClan when they try to take some of their territory, and is the one to bring a message back to camp. Later, Lionpaw discovers Pinestar's secret of taking food from a Twoleg. When Pinestar tells Lionpaw to keep it a secret, he agrees.
- Later on, he discovers that Pinestar is going to become a kittypet. Instead of telling the Clan, Lionpaw keeps Pinestar's secret. Despite his efforts to keep his secret, Pinestar finally reveals to the Clan that he is leaving to become a kittypet. As Pinestar leaves, Lionpaw asks the Clan if they would like a leader who no longer wishes to lead. Pinestar tells Lionpaw to tell Sunfall that he would've named him Lionheart. Later, Lionpaw earns his warrior name and becomes Lionheart, as Pinestar wished.
- Tigerkit expresses a liking in Lionheart. He asks him to tell him everything about the Gathering at Lionheart's first Gathering as a warrior, but Lionheart tells him that he'll be asleep when he gets back. The day Whitestorm becomes a warrior, Lionheart leads a hunting patrol with Bluefur, Thrushpelt, and Goldenflower. He is also part of the patrol that talks RiverClan into giving up Sunningrocks. He is seen eating with Goldenflower, Whitestorm, and Bluefur in celebration of winning Sunningrocks without a fight. Lionheart also eats a scrawny shrew with Whitestorm many moons later during a prey-poor leafbare, and later shares tongues with Bluestar that day at dusk.
- In the comic, Lionheart and Whitestorm bring Rusty to the ThunderClan camp. When Longtail challenges Rusty, Lionheart encourages Rusty to fight back.
Leopardstar's Honor[]
- Leopardfur's patrol confronts Redtail's patrol, including Lionheart, at Sunningrocks. A battle follows, and Lionheart fights Sunfish and Frogleap. Lionheart and Whitefang fight, and after Whitefang slashes Lionheart's ear, the golden warrior strikes Whitefang's neck, killing him. Lionheart is horrified, and RiverClan calls a retreat. Leopardfur resents ThunderClan and Lionheart for killing her Clanmate, and ignores Lionheart, who replaced Redtail as deputy, at the Gathering. Later, Firestar explains how Lionheart died in a battle against ShadowClan, leaving Tigerstar a chance to become deputy.
Bramblestar's Storm[]
- He is indirectly mentioned by Firestar when he told Bramblestar to trust those who gave him his nine lives because they knew he would do a good job.
In the Novellas[]
Pinestar's Choice[]
- «Not everything I have done was a mistake.»
- —Pinestar's thoughts about praising Lionpaw's courage Pinestar's Choice, chapter 9
- Later, the apprentice catches him eating kittypet food and hanging with Twolegs. Lionpaw brings news that RiverClan is invading. He tells Lionpaw that he can't come and fight. Lionpaw wonders if the kittypets hurt him, and Pinestar clarifies that there is no kittypet, only him. Lionpaw is confused by what his leader is doing. He exclaims that Clan cats can't be friends with Twolegs. Pinestar tells him that he can't be ThunderClan's leader anymore, and that Lionpaw should go to camp and tell everyone that their leader is dead. Lionpaw angrily refuses. He follows Lionpaw back to camp, and Pinestar tells ThunderClan that he is leaving to become a kittypet. Lionpaw stands up for him, insisting ThunderClan needed a leader who wanted to lead. Pinestar thanks Lionpaw for his spirit, and tells him that he would've named him Lionheart.
Spottedleaf's Heart[]
- Lionheart guards ThunderClan camp during the night, his golden shape sitting on the other side of the gorse from the medicine den.
Redtail's Debt[]
- When ThunderClan prepares to attack RiverClan, Sunstar orders Lionheart and Goldenflower to stay behind to defend the camp. The two siblings share a disappointed glance, but bow their heads in agreement. Later, Redtail tells Lionheart to take Whitestorm and Graypaw hunting.
Blackfoot's Reckoning[]
- During the raid on ThunderClan, Lionheart calls out for the warriors to defend the camp. Scorchwind and Clawface attack him while Blackfoot attempts to steal his kits from the nursery.
Leafpool's Wish[]
- "We have come to give you strength."
- ―Lionheart to Leafpool Leafpool's Wish, chapter 1
Ravenpaw's Farewell[]
- "We have come to do something we should have done a long time ago, we would like to give you your warrior name. You have far more than earned it, with the courage, fairness, and loyalty you have shown to these cats..."
- ―Lionheart praising Ravenpaw Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 10
In the Field Guides[]
Code of the Clans[]
- "No! I will not lie for you! You might not want to be our leader anymore, but you could at least be brave enough to tell the Clan yourself. They deserve to know the truth, that you are leaving to become a kittypet."
- ―Lionpaw getting angry at Pinestar Code of the Clans, page 148
- But, soon after, RiverClan attacks ThunderClan and Lionpaw is sent to find Pinestar. He finds his leader at the Twoleg nest again, and Pinestar finally explains that there was no other kittypet, just him. Lionpaw was confused at first, but finally realizes what happened. Lionpaw convinces Pinestar to tell the rest of ThunderClan the truth: Pinestar was leaving the Clan to become a kittypet. Pinestar agrees, and goes back to tell the Clan. As Pinestar is leaving, he turns to Lionpaw and says that he has a good spirit, and when it is time for him to receive his warrior name, he should tell Sunfall that he would have called him Lionheart.
Battles of the Clans[]
- Lionpaw: "But what if I'm always too scared to fight? I can't be a warrior like that."
- Swiftbreeze: "If you don't feel any fear, you will never be able to feel brave. Courage is nothing without the knowledge of what you face. Give me time to teach you how to fight and defend yourself, and use the size and weight of your enemy against him. Then you'll find courage deep inside."
- Battles of the Clans, page 136
- Swiftbreeze and Bluepaw soon arrive, looking for him. At first he tries to hide from them, but becomes disgusted with himself on not being able to face his Clanmates, and comes out. They greet him warmly and tell him that he could come back home. He asks Swiftbreeze if he will be punished, and she tells him that he won't, but Pinestar wants to speak with him. Lionpaw is relieved and promises himself that he'll become a better warrior and understand more about courage.
The Ultimate Guide[]
- "I give you a life to have the greatest pride in your Clan, to honor the legacy that has been left by the leaders who have walked this path before, and to have the courage to lay down your own paw prints over theirs. This is your chance to shape ThunderClan's destiny. Use it wisely and make us proud."
- ―Lionheart to Brambleclaw The Ultimate Guide, page 53
- Lionheart is present at Brambleclaw's leader ceremony, and is one of the nine cats to present the ThunderClan cat with a life. He introduces himself, and says that he died in a feud with ShadowClan, long before Brambleclaw was born. The golden tom says that he's watched Brambleclaw grow, and believes that Brambleclaw will make an excellent leader for ThunderClan. Lionheart's life is that of pride in his Clan, and he advises Brambleclaw to honor the legacy of those cats who've gone before him. He gives a nod to Bluestar and Firestar in respect, and continues to speak, saying that the new leader has a chance to shape ThunderClan's destiny, and that Brambleclaw has the courage to lay down new pawsteps, over those who have lead before.
- As Lionheart gives Brambleclaw a life, the dark tabby is filled with warm energy, making his fur stand on end. Brambleclaw pictures the whole of ThunderClan around him, and he can feel their support and it empowers him. Brambleclaw thanks Lionheart for his life, to which Lionheart says that it's always an honor to gift another with a life.
In the Short stories and plays[]
The Elders' Concern[]
- Lionheart is only briefly mentioned by Dappletail, when she comments that he had died the day before Fireheart was appointed deputy, thus making Fireheart's deputy-ship against the warrior code.
Detailed description[]
- Lionheart is a huge,[13] broad-shouldered,[14] bulky,[15] pale[16] golden tabby tom[2] with green eyes.[12] He has thick,[3] tufty fur,[17] and thick fur[2] around his neck,[3] like a lion's mane.[2]
Character pixels[]
Main images[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Alternate images[]
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Official art[]
Please do not edit this gallery |
Killed victims[]
This list shows the victims Lionheart has killed:
Ceremonies[]
Lionheart's deputy ceremony | ||||
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Lives granted[]
The following is a list of gifts Lionheart has granted during nine lives ceremonies:
Lives granted | ||||
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Family[]
- Main article: Lionheart/Family
- Lionheart's parents are Smallear and Speckletail, and his siblings are Goldenflower, Snowkit and Mistlekit. His mate is Frostfur, and Thornclaw, Brackenfur, Brightheart and Cinderpelt are their children. For more of Lionheart's family, click here!
Appearances[]
- Moth Flight's Vision (Vision or Dream)
- Pinestar's Choice
- Crookedstar's Promise
- Bluestar's Prophecy
- Leopardstar's Honor
- Spottedleaf's Heart
- Redtail's Debt
- Onestar's Confession (Allegiance only)
- Into the Wild † (First appearance)
- Fire and Ice (Mentioned only)
- Forest of Secrets (Mentioned only)
- A Dangerous Path (Mentioned only)
- The Darkest Hour
- Blackfoot's Reckoning (Flashback only)
- Sunset
- Leafpool's Wish
- The Sight
- Eclipse
- The Fourth Apprentice
- Night Whispers
- Sign of the Moon
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- The Last Hope
- Bramblestar's Storm (Indirect mention only)
- The Prophecies Begin, volume 1 †
- Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
- Code of the Clans
- Battles of the Clans
- The Ultimate Guide
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
- The Elders' Concern (Mentioned only)
- A Fear of Fire
Trivia[]
Interesting facts[]
- Lionheart was named after his courage and wisdom to convince Pinestar to tell the truth to the Clan why he was leaving.[19]
Author statements[]
- Vicky has commented about the possibility of Lionheart fathering Frostfur's kits,[20] and at least once that Lionheart never fathered kits.[21]
- However, Lionheart indeed being Frostfur's mate and the father of her kits was first revealed on the Warriors website family tree,[22] and later in Blackfoot's Reckoning.[23]
- Vicky has said that Smallear and Speckletail may have been mates once,[24] and that Smallear may have fathered Lionheart and Goldenflower.[25]
- Lionheart is one of Kate's favorite characters.[blog 1]
Mistakes[]
- Lionheart has mistakenly been described with yellow eyes,[27] and shown as a solid colored cat,[28] despite being a tabby.[2] He is also depicted with white in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1.[29]
- In The Elders' Concern, Lionheart was said to be the deputy before Firestar,[30] even though Tigerstar became deputy after Lionheart died.[11]
- In The Last Hope, it is said that he gave Firestar a life of justice,[31] when he really gave him a life of courage,[32] and Redtail gave him justice.[32]
Continuity[]
The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.
- In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, he is listed as Sunstar's apprentice,[33] even though his mentor was Swiftbreeze.[9] Lionheart speaks about StarClan, describing the afterlife of Clan warriors, their relation to the living cats, and their journey to the lake.[34]
- Smallear being the father of Lionheart's siblings, Snowkit and Mistlekit, was originally revealed on Vicky's Facebook.[35]
Quotes[]
- Goosefeather: "This is how we will be crushed by WindClan."
- Lionkit: "How can a dumb bit of fresh-kill tell you that?"
- Bluestar's Prophecy, page 97
- Lionpaw: "I wish I'd gone! I could have used that move you taught me."
- Bluepaw: "It's the only one you know!"
- Bluestar's Prophecy, page 193
- Lionheart: "You see now why prey is so precious. Why we must fight to protect what little we have."
- Firepaw: "But that seems foolish! Why can't the Clans work together and share their hunting grounds, instead of fighting each other?"
- Into the Wild, page 60
- "There is a trace of all the great cats in every cat today. You can thank LeopardClan for the speed and hunting skills you now possess. We would not be night hunters without our TigerClan ancestors, and our love for the sun's warmth comes from LionClan."
- ―Lionheart to Graypaw and Firepaw Into the Wild, pages 145-146
- "Oh, go away, the pair of you! Next time I hope Bluestar decides to bring apprentices who appreciate what they hear."
- ―Lionheart gently teasing Firepaw and Graypaw Into the Wild, page 146
- Lionheart: "Safe journey."
- Bluestar: "I know I can trust you to keep the camp safe."
- Into the Wild, page 168
External links[]
- Lionheart's profile on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Top five deputies of The Prophecies Begin on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Warrior of the Week Gallery #28 - Lionheart on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #28) (backup link)
- Frostfur and Lionheart's family artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Firestar's nine life-givers artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- More of Frostfur and Lionheart's family artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
- Some amazing Lionheart artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in The Darkest Hour, page 47
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Revealed in Into the Wild, allegiances
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 48
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 197
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 143
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 360
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 101
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 51
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 176
- ↑ Revealed in Into the Wild, page 72
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 199
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Revealed in Into the Wild, page 17
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Revealed in Leopardstar's Honor, page 92
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 180
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 270
- ↑ Revealed in The Sight, page 183
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 249
- ↑ Revealed in The Ultimate Guide, page 53
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 310
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Blackfoot's Reckoning, chapter 6
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed on the Warriors website family tree (screenshot)
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 407
- ↑ Revealed in Bluestar's Prophecy, page 520
- ↑ Revealed in The Prophecies Begin, volume 1, page 46
- ↑ Revealed in The Elders' Concern
- ↑ Revealed in The Last Hope, page 329
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 Revealed in The Darkest Hour, pages 48-54
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans, page 23
- ↑ Revealed in Secrets of the Clans
- ↑ Revealed on Vicky's Facebook
Author references